We have been on the road since 17 July and have only made it to Erenhot so far.
The biggest part of the problem has been carburation and tires. It looks like
we got into a batch of bad carbs, this was compounded by a really dirty air
filter (my bad) and a weak super battery that I bought in the states. The tire
problem was with the tubes. There were flaws in the rubber at the seams and
simply failed but it was really frustrating to be riding for only a few Kms to
find that we had another flat. I was starting to think that we were suffering
from some bad karma from a previous life or that some providence just didn't
want us to leave China.

As soon as we reach UB, I am told we can buy Russian tires and tubes. That
will be our first priority.

We limped into Erenhot about five days ago and I contacted Jim Bryant at
Frank's Classic Sidecars and he sent Frank Li up here to take care of the
problems. Also my thanks go out to Big Bill for assisting us with parts and
translations during our down time. Now we have working carbs a new battery and
an air filter that will be cleaned weekly. Even with all the problems we have
had (including three flat tires in one day on the two biukes) I am very happy
that we made the BMW conversion. Much of the time the engine was running on one
cylinder and the bike still had the juice to pull us to the next stop.

More to the point of this msg., if anyone is planning to drive their chang out
of China, be aware that there is a new regulation that requires a customs form
for the "export" of the bike. I have had this verrified by a business friend
that imports and exports timber, petroleum and machinery across the border atr
this border crossing. Without his help we would never have learned this.

My friends will get this form for me this morning and we should finally be on
our way with working bikes and our first experience in Mongolia.


Jack and Janet
The Dragin' Run

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